US Charges 12 in Intimidation Campaign Against Jewish Community and Israel Supporters
Translated & summarized from Hamal by baba
The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted four more individuals, bringing the total to 12, in a campaign of intimidation targeting the Jewish community, University of Michigan officials, and pro-Israel entities in Detroit. The group allegedly used threats, property damage, and Hamas symbols to pressure institutions into severing ties with Israel. The actions escalated after the October 7th Hamas attack. Federal prosecutors and the FBI have vowed to pursue justice against those involved.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Twelve individuals are now charged in a U.S. intimidation campaign targeting Jewish and pro-Israel groups.
- The alleged campaign involved threats, property damage, and Hamas symbols against victims in Detroit.
- Defendants aimed to force the University of Michigan and businesses to cut ties with Israel.
- The intimidation efforts escalated following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
- Four new defendants were indicted, with two arrested and two still sought by authorities.
- U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. vowed to fight those who terrorize Jewish communities.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday the indictment of four additional defendants in a case involving a campaign of threats and intimidation targeting the Jewish community in Detroit, officials at the University of Michigan, and individuals identified as pro-Israel. This brings the total number of defendants to 12.
Federal prosecutors allege that the group engaged in a pattern of harassment, including threats, property damage, smashing windows, and throwing jars containing harmful chemicals into victims' homes. Homes and workplaces were spray-painted with symbols associated with Hamas, such as inverted red triangles and red handprints.
The four newly charged individuals are Henry David Makin-Shapiro, 23; Aaron Hunter Vonbergen, 25; Joseph Mark Fisher, 23; and Srishti Tarana Sharma, 23. Makin-Shapiro and Vonbergen were arrested this week and are expected to appear in federal court soon. Fisher and Sharma are still at large.
According to the revised indictment, the defendants and uncharged co-conspirators allegedly developed detailed plans to compel the University of Michigan and associated businesses to sever all ties, real or perceived, with Israel. These activities escalated following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Investigators claim the group went beyond property destruction, issuing threats that criminal actions would intensify if their demands were not met. They reportedly used encrypted messaging apps, social media, and international collaboration tools to identify targets and coordinate their actions.
The indictment details how victims' homes and workplaces were marked with Hamas symbols, including the inverted red triangle used by Hamas to designate targets. After carrying out attacks, the group allegedly posted photos on social media with further threats, aiming to amplify fear within the broader community and signal that the actions would continue until their demands were satisfied.
Targets included the Jewish Federation of Detroit, two members of the University of Michigan's Board of Regents, other university officials, a campus police lieutenant, a student, and two businesses perceived to have ties to Israel.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Jerome Gorgon Jr., condemned the actions, stating, "Attempts to terrorize our Jewish community and our public officials are not new. From Pharaoh, to Hitler, to Hamas, those who terrorized Jews were the villains. As Americans, our duty is to fight the villains." FBI Detroit Field Office head Jennifer Ranion added, "Anyone who thinks they can threaten families, hide behind a group, and evade responsibility should think again. Justice will catch up with you." She emphasized that the new charges reflect an ongoing joint investigation with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
The first eight defendants, indicted on June 10, 2024, include Zainab Ali-Asghar Hakim, 23; Amatullah Ali-Asghar Hakim, 21; Paige Elizabeth Fick, 26; Ahmet Kerem Korkaya, 28; Jonathan Hungru Zo, 22; Alexander Matthew Spoloweda, 23; Miriam Mohammed Odeh, 24; and Colin Hunter Weger, 24. While the DOJ noted all eight have some connection to the University of Michigan, details were not provided.